Instant Analysis: Clemson 56, Maryland 45

When the Tigers wanted to run the ball, they didn’t have many problems. In the first half, they had 184 rushing yards and wound up with 307 yards on the ground.

Running back Andre EllingtonAndre EllingtonRS Jr. Running Back#23 5-10, 190Moncks Corner, SCView Full Profile continued his success from last week, gaining 213 yards on 24 carries, including a huge 44-yard touchdown run late that sealed the win for the Tigers.

After a critical mistake, Sammy WatkinsSammy WatkinsFr. Wide Receiver#7 6-1, 200Fort Myers, FLView Full Profile showed his abilities in the return game giving Clemson some momentum after a 70-yard kickoff return that led to a Tiger touchdown and later adding an 82-yard touchdown return after Maryland had taken a fourth quarter lead.

The Tigers outscored Maryland 39-17 in the second half and wound up with 577 yards of total offense.

Kicker Chandler CatanzaroChandler CatanzaroRS So. Punter / Kicker#39 6-2, 200Greenville, SCView Full Profile continues his streak , making two more field goals, and he is now 12-for-14 on the season.

The Tigers also proved that this isn’t the ‘same old Clemson’, especially after that second half shellacking.

What went wrong:

The defense made Maryland quarterback C.J. Wilson look like a Heisman Trophy candidate, letting him run at will. He finished with 162 yards rushing.

Special teams, which hasn’t really been a concern up until this point, was an issue in the first half. Sammy Watkins attempted to field the opening kickoff over his head and only returned it one yard. And, on a Maryland punt, Watkins fumbled on the 10 yard line after signaling a fair catching, setting up a Maryland touchdown.

The tackling was, at times, atrocious.

Tajh BoydTajh BoydRS So. Quarterback#10 6-1, 225Hampton, VAView Full Profile was a little inaccurate to begin the game, throwing two balls into double and triple coverage and then threw his third interception of the season and that was returned for a touchdown.

Turning Point of the Game :

Clemson was trailing 35-17 and the Terrapins were threatening to blow Clemson out of Byrd Stadium. However, Bashaud BreelandBashaud BreelandRS Fr. Defensive Back#17 6-0, 185Allendale, SCView Full Profile intercepted a C.J. Brown pass and set up Clemson inside the Terp 20-yard line. The Tigers later scored a touchdown. Part two was Sammy Watkins – Maryland had just retaken the lead at 45-42, when Watkins broke loose on an 82-yard touchdown return.

Stat of the Game Watkins wound up with 335 all-purpose yards. That is a Clemson record, breaking the previous record of 312, set by C.J. SpillerC.J. SpillerPro Running Back#28 5-11, 195Lake Butler, FLView Full Profile against FSU.